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What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies German Shepherd puppies are intelligent easy to train and natural workers. They are adventurous and require lots of exercise. They are naturally protective of their owners, which is why early socialization is essential to help them understand that people and other animals are not threats. They may be scared in unfamiliar environments. Eyes German Shepherds are typically brown-eyed, but can also have blue eyes. This is because of a genetic variation and both parents must carry the recessive gene for puppies to have blue eyes. However, the color of a dog's eyes does not mean how healthy that dog is. In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and don't have any inherited diseases that are associated with their eye color. However, they may be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Screening for these conditions can help prevent or keep these conditions from happening. Blue eyes are not uncommon in other breeds of dog however, they are extremely rare in purebred German Shepherds. In fact, it is often a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed that has significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry. It is not unusual for German Shepherds, even though it is a rare mutation, to have one blue and one brown eye. This condition is known as heterochromia and can sometimes indicate that the dog has an issue with their health. Another problem that is commonly encountered in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are characterized by the presence of opaque areas on the cornea's surface or deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of vision or obstruct the ability to sense light. This can be easily prevented by restricting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to, and encouraging it to spend as much time inside as possible. You can also treat it with prescription medications or doggie glasses. Ears When it comes to the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly recognizable. The shape of the ears is determined by genetics. However the environment and the care can also influence its appearance. It's normal for your dog's ears falling or to flip over while teething. This period usually lasts between 16 and 20 weeks. At that point, he will be able to stand his ears permanently. The ear's outer layer cartilage and skin are joined through muscles that allow it to move and twitch. If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The signs include swelling, itching and discharge. You can avoid ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too often could remove the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only when required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice per week. You can keep the ear of your pet hydrated by letting it soak in water from time to time. If one of your German Shepherd's ears are being droopy, it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites can be found outdoors and cause irritation, itching and swelling in the affected ear. If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy You can get them to stand by tying them with a small piece of vet's or medical tape. It is recommended to do this with the help of a trained dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will raise their ears within a matter of minutes after you have taped them. Coat The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog that has an undercoat that is soft and dense and a soft, fluffy undercoat. The breed sheds all year long and requires regular brushing to maintain its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft which protects the skin from the elements. This undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be curly or straight. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches long and can also include feathering around the ears as well as the chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat resembles an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathering on the feet. A plush coat is a medium-length coat that is preferred in the show ring and it comes with a thicker soft coat that has more feathers than the stock coat. The GSD is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors that range from the classic black and tan that many people know to other shades like livers, blues, and fawns. Another variation that is popular is the sable pattern. This pattern has lighter and darker hairs mixed together to create a wolflike appearance on the body. GSDs in solid colors are also very common, as are GSDs with markings. The GSD was also known for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a perfect canine for military and police. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a wonderful family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed that can be guardians of their families however they are also calm enough to live happily with other dogs and cats and are able to coexist with livestock. GSDs are usually trained in Schutzhund, a form of protection that is designed to detect and deter criminal activities. Weight Puppy's are small and fragile when they are born. They are totally dependent on the mother for their food. Puppy's are still small and have a small appetite, but they could double in weight at the end of their neonatal stage. A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of making advances at anything and everyone. reinrassiger schäferhund play with other littermates, but will also pick one or two of them and assert their superiority over the other pups. These are typical for puppies that are well-bred. After three weeks, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food like raw ground meat. It's usually a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn to eat this food, and generally, they are eager. When your German Shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be mostly over and the dog will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. Puppies on a raw meat diet may be underweight, so you must ensure that they are getting enough calories. A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia as an adult. They also are at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain dogs exhibit signs like dragging their back of their feet or refusing to climb stairs or jump. Some dogs have multiple ailments and require treatment with physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Another issue that could affect German Shepherds is heart disease, particularly heart disease that is dilated and valvular. These conditions can be diagnosed by a vet using a stethoscope to the dog's chest and x-rays. Health German Shepherds are at risk of certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be exacerbated by poor genetics as well as excessive exercise and overweight. These problems can be prevented by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a consistent eating schedule, and staying away from foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. The diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutritious and full of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppies need up to 10 percent fat in their diet to aid in their rapid growth and development. These fats also provide more energy than carbohydrates or proteins. The diet should contain a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, as well as vegetable sources. Vaccinations are vital to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true against parvovirus and hepatitis. The vaccines also protect your puppy from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments that can be caused by these diseases. A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are prone to allergies, specifically to flea bites and foods. They can trigger stomach upset, weight loss or vomiting. To avoid this, you must make sure your dog is eating a good quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food and treats high in fat or sodium. Cancer is a different issue that is a common occurrence for German Shepherds, particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can grow in blood-rich tissues, such as the heart and spleen. Other cancers include lung, intestinal, and bone cancers. German Shepherds can also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially relevant to multicentric lymphoma that causes multiple lymph nodes to grow around the body.